Cycling

SHOPRITE CYCLING SPONSORSHIP
THE Island's leading supermarket is getting into the spirit of the 2001NatWest Island Games by co-sponsoring the cycling events. Shoprite and advocates Dickinson Cruikshank & Co are supporting the time trial around St John's and Kirk Michael on July 9 and road racing around the Peel and Switchback areas on July 11 - as well as the criterium races prior
to the closing ceremony on July 13 around the Villa Marina.

Spokesman for Shoprite, Richard Ebbutt, said: 'We are delighted to be able to sponsor the cycling events as we have a long history with the cycling community in the Isle of Man.
'Not only do we have directors and team members who have a keen interest in the various sporting activities that the Island has to offer, but we also have our annual Cycle for Life which, last autumn, raised thousands of pounds for the Special Olympics squad.'

Shoprite's Cycle for Life is now in its ninth year and is organised in conjunction with a cycle relay race around the TT course.
Richard Ebbutt said: 'Being a Manx company we think it is great that the Island is hosting the 2001 Games and we are sure that all competitors will receive a warm welcome and wish them the best of luck. This is the first time the Island has hosted the Games since they were launched here some 16 years ago. There is such strong support from the
community for these Games that we are sure they will be a huge success.'

Hello, I am Mike Williams and I have been chosen by the Executive Committee 2001 &  Isle of Man Cycling Association to coordinate the cycling events for the Games in 2001. The Association is made up of the Ellan Vannin C.C., Manx Road Club, Manx Viking Wheelers and the Manx Mountain Bike Club.

There is a full programme of events held on the Island throughout the season which extends from early March until the end of September. Although the Isle of Man is quite hilly (Snaefell - 625m) most riders prefer the flatter courses held mostly on the northern plain.

The local 10 mile time trial league attracts about 100 riders of all ages, whilst most senior road events have fields of around 40, all local residents.

June each year sees International cycling week take place, with riders from all over the British Isles and Ireland as well as a strong foreign contingent taking part in a full programme of events. The week culminates in races for different categories being run concurrently over the famous T.T. motor cycle circuit, including the 180km Manx International held over three laps

Four circuits of a sporting course based on the West of the Island. An undulating start leads to the main climb of Creg Willys hill, approx. 80m. in 1km. A long descent to the coast at Kirk Michael is followed by an undulating 10 km to complete the circuit. On completion of the fourth lap there is a fast descent through the streets of Peel to the finish on Peel promenade. It is hoped to run an event for women over a shorter distance.

A mostly flat circuit with several short climbs, the biggest coming near the end of the course.

1 hour + 5 laps Flat circuit round Douglas harbour (1.3km). Fast with 4 left hand turns. Excellent for spectators and should provide great racing.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Manx Mountain Biking Club have their own web site : - MANX MOUNTAIN BIKING CLUB
This site will shortly include information detailing the course, facilities etc.

The Isle of Man is a great place for Mountain Biking, with 100's of kilometres of deserted tracks available to all levels of rider. The terrain is varied, offering woodland, high moorland, coastal routes and disused railways; with a mix of technical single-track, fast forestry fire roads and plenty of mud and rock! oh, and plenty of demanding climbs and descents

We are including in the programme for the first time, cross country events for both men and women. We can guarantee a first class circuit!

In order to make the trip even more worthwhile, we are also considering the possibility of an additional event.

Proposed options include:

1. A downhill event.
2. An Mm off road criterium- possibly to include a BMX course

The main concern with the downhill option is the specialised nature of modern down hilling, which would involve the use of a second machine and/or different riders We are conscious of the cost implications involved.

The criterium option would allow the use of standard cross country bikes.

We would appreciate feedback from all Islands as to the level of participation we might expect, and also your views on a second event.